THE WOOL FILES

THE WOOL FILES

We are all trying to make better choices.

Buy second hand, vintage and sustainable brands but the most sustainable option is to take care of what is already hanging in your closet.

You know the feeling of your favorite wool jumper. Hugging you and keeping you warm. Oversized or skin tight, I always enjoy a good woollen piece. Here some advice on how to keep them gorgeous forever. 

WASHING TIPS

Hand Wash (Best Option)

Cold Water:

Always use cold water to wash wool. Hot water can cause wool fibers to shrink or felt.

Mild Detergent: Use a detergent specifically designed for wool (often labeled as "wool wash" or "delicates"). These are gentle on fibers and help preserve their structure.

Avoid Fabric Softener: Wool already has natural softness and lanolin (the natural oil), so fabric softeners can damage the fibers.

Gentle Motion:

Gently agitate the wool by swirling it in the water rather than rubbing or twisting it. This helps prevent distortion of the fibers.

Machine Wash (If Labeled Safe)

Wool or Delicate Cycle:

Some wool garments can be machine washed if they’re labeled as such. Use the “wool” or “delicate” cycle, which uses cold water and minimal agitation.

Mesh Bag:

If machine washing, place the wool item in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction with other clothes, which can cause pilling.

Drying Wool Garments

Avoid the Dryer:

Wool should never be placed in a tumble dryer, as heat can cause it to shrink and distort. Instead, gently reshape the garment to its original form while it’s still damp.

Air Drying:

Lay wool items flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry. Avoid hanging them, as this can stretch the fabric out of shape.

Keep wool garments away from direct sunlight or heat sources (like radiators) because they can cause fading and damage to the fibers.

 Storing Wool Garments

Keep It Clean:

Always make sure your wool items are clean before storing them to avoid attracting moths. Moths are especially drawn to the natural oils in wool.

Moth Protection:

Store wool garments in sealed garment bags or bins. You can add cedar balls or lavender sachets, both of which are natural moth repellents.

Regularly check wool garments for signs of moths, especially if you live in a humid area or store items for long periods.

Proper Hanging:

If you must hang wool garments, use padded hangers (to prevent stretching at the shoulders) and ensure there’s enough space to allow for air circulation.

Cool, Dry Environment:

Store wool items in a cool, dry area, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. A temperature-controlled closet or drawer is ideal.

Preventing Pilling and Damage

Avoid Friction:

Pilling happens when fibers rub against each other or other rough surfaces. To prevent this, avoid wearing wool garments in situations where they may rub against rough materials (e.g., backpacks or seat belts).

De-pilling:

If your wool garment does pill, you can use a fabric shaver or a wool comb to gently remove pills. Do this with care, as too much scraping can damage the fibers.

Rotate Wearing:

Don't wear the same wool garment every day. Rotate your wardrobe to give each piece a rest, which can help preserve its shape and fabric integrity.

 Sustainability of Wool:

Renewable Resource
Wool comes from sheep, which grow a new fleece each year, so it’s a renewable resource. As long as the sheep are treated well and the land is managed responsibly, wool production can be sustainable.

Biodegradable
Wool is 100% natural and biodegradable, unlike synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, which can take hundreds of years to break down. Wool’s ability to decompose is a big plus for its environmental impact, as it won’t sit in landfills for decades.

Energy Efficient
Wool requires much less energy to produce compared to synthetic fabrics like acrylic, which are derived from fossil fuels. Natural fibers like wool are typically produced with lower carbon emissions.

Carbon Sequestration
Sheep can contribute positively to soil health, especially when they are managed well in rotational grazing systems. This can help sequester carbon in the soil, contributing to mitigating climate change.

Durability
Wool is known for being durable and long-lasting. Higher-quality wool garments can last much longer than synthetic fibers, reducing the frequency of replacements. This longevity reduces overall consumption.

Environmental Challenges
Water Use & Land Degradation:
In some regions, large-scale sheep farming can lead to overgrazing, land degradation, and water scarcity. These impacts can reduce the sustainability of wool production if not managed well.

Animal Welfare
The treatment of sheep is a concern in some wool production systems. Practices like mulesing (removal of skin around the tail) are controversial, and animal welfare standards can vary across regions. Ethical wool farming can help mitigate these concerns.

Chemical Use
The process of washing and dyeing wool can sometimes involve harmful chemicals, though more eco-friendly methods are being developed.

Where Does Most Wool Come From?

In short, wool is sustainable when produced responsibly, with attention to animal welfare, land management, and ethical farming practices. The biggest producers are Australia, China, and New Zealand, with Australia taking the lead globally.